The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

We’re thrilled to welcome William Church, Director of Theatre at Interlochen Center for the Arts, to The Roundtable. A powerhouse in arts education and performance, Church is also the founder and artistic director of the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, a program he launched in 2008 that continues to elevate classical theatre for modern audiences. His career spans work with major theatre companie...

Kym Whitley is bringing the laughs, the heart, and the real-life stories that have made her a fan favorite for decades! The legendary comedian, actress, and host sits down to talk about her incredible career—from scene-stealing roles on screen to becoming one of the most authentic voices in comedy today. We dive into her dynamic chemistry with Sherri Shepherd, their wildly popular Two Funny Mamas...

From stealing scenes as Big Worm in Friday to bringing unforgettable energy to films like Elf, The Replacements, Couples Retreat, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, Faizon Love has built a comedy legacy that spans decades. Starting stand-up at just 15, his larger-than-life presence and sharp, fearless humor have made him a standout across film, television...

Elena Sanchez is here, and she’s bringing heart, truth, and purpose with her. In Neglected, she steps into a story that refuses to be ignored—one that explores resilience, identity, and the emotional weight of being overlooked. Elena joins us to talk about what drew her to the project, the responsibility of telling stories that reflect real experiences, and how this role challenged and changed her...

The vampires came out to play as The Lost Boys officially opened at the Palace Theatre, and The Roundtable was there for every thrilling, gothic moment. Based on the iconic cult film, this bold new musical—directed by Michael Arden—brings Santa Carla to life with a rock score by The Rescues and a cast led by LJ Benet, Shoshana Bean, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Benjamin Pajak, Maria Wirries, and Paul Alexa...

Roxy Hunt is here and she’s shining a spotlight on one of NYC’s most exciting creative hubs—Lower East Side Film Festival. With a passion for championing independent artists, Roxy gives us the inside scoop on how the festival has grown into a must-attend event for filmmakers and audiences alike. From boundary-pushing shorts to unforgettable features, the festival captures the grit, heart, and dive...

Writer/director Joanne Mitchell is here to talk about her striking feature debut Broken Bird—a chilling, genre-bending story that dives deep into loneliness, trauma, and the human need for connection. Centered on Sybil, a socially isolated mortician, the film explores what happens when grief and desire blur into something far more unsettling. Drawing from her earlier short Sybil, Mitchell expands...

At the inspiring Vital Voices Global Partnership Global Leadership Awards, we hit the carpet for a night where glamour met purpose and every voice carried impact. From political powerhouse Huma Abedin to legendary designer and philanthropist Diane von Fürstenberg—who continues to champion women worldwide—to the radiant Nicole Ari Parker, the room was filled with women shaping culture, policy, and...

Friendship, heartbreak, and that song… yes, that song. Beaches has officially opened on Broadway, bringing the beloved story of lifelong friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie to the stage in a sweeping, emotional production filled with powerhouse vocals and nostalgic moments. Led by Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, this new production leans all the way into the heart of the story—big voices, big fe...

Opening night of The Balusters was stacked with talent, energy, and that unmistakable Broadway buzz. We hit the carpet with an incredible lineup—Tony winner Anika Noni Rose alongside a full company bringing this sharp, hilarious new play to life. The cast also includes standouts like Marylouise Burke, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Margaret Colin, Richard Thomas, Kayli Carter, Ricardo Chavira, Michael Espe...

Irene Sofia Lucio joins us to reflect on her experience in Liberation, the powerful Broadway play by Bess Wohl that explored the women’s liberation movement and its lasting impact. Though the Broadway run has wrapped, the conversation is far from over. Irene shares what it meant to be part of a story that challenged perspectives, sparked dialogue, and connected past and present in such a meaningfu...

Donald Webber Jr. is here and bringing the full journey with him—from his early days with the SoCal VoCals at University of Southern California to commanding the stage in Hamilton. We talk about how those college a cappella roots helped shape his artistry, discipline, and versatility—skills that are now on full display in one of the most demanding shows on Broadway. That same legacy is now capture...

Legendary creator Richard O'Brien—the mind behind The Rocky Horror Picture Show—is back in the spotlight alongside his son, filmmaker Linus O'Brien, for the powerful new documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror. Directed by Linus, the film dives deep into the creation, chaos, and cultural explosion of Rocky Horror—from its scrappy stage beginnings to becoming the longest-running thea...

Pop legend Tiffany is back and doing what she does best—connecting with fans, hitting the road, and now… hitting the kitchen! With a brand new tour bringing all the iconic hits we love—yes, “I Think We’re Alone Now” still hits every single time—she’s proving that her star power never left. But this time, she’s adding a whole new flavor. Tiffany is also celebrating her upcoming cookbook “POPLife,”...

Filmmakers Chelsea Greene and Rob Grobman join The Roundtable for an inspiring and urgent conversation about their powerful documentary We Are Guardians. Just in time for Earth Day, this stunning film shines a light on the frontline defenders of the Amazon rainforest, amplifying Indigenous voices and the real-life heroes working tirelessly to protect one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth. In t...

Songwriting powerhouse Ross Golan joins The Roundtable for a vibrant, music-filled conversation you don’t want to miss. The hitmaker behind songs like Dangerous Woman, Same Old Love, and Love Me Harder brings his signature passion and insight as we talk all things songwriting, creativity, and the magic behind the music. From crafting global smashes to finding the emotional core of a lyric, Ross sh...

Liz Coin is bringing bold, heartfelt comedy to the stage with her one-woman show Lizzy Sunshine, and trust me—this is not your typical solo performance. A New York-based actor, writer, and sketch comedian with roots in The Second City and a degree from Northwestern University, Liz has built a career blending improv, character work, and deeply personal storytelling. The show—already a sold-out hit...

Tom Nemec is bringing something deeply personal—and deeply powerful—to the stage with A Cat in a Box, a one-man show that doesn’t hold back. An actor and comedian with a natural stage presence, Nemec dives into his own childhood growing up in a dysfunctional, alcoholic household, using storytelling that is both brutally honest and darkly funny. A Cat in a Box traces his journey from a turbulent up...

Fares Fares and Cherien Dabis are front and center in the intense new film Eagles of the Republic, a Cannes-selected political thriller that pulls back the curtain on fame under pressure. Fares stars as a beloved Egyptian actor forced into a dangerous game when he’s pushed to portray a real-life dictator in a state-controlled propaganda film. What starts as a career move quickly spirals into a hig...

An Autumn Summer is here—and Jared Isaac is giving us a story that feels like a memory you never want to forget. Written and directed by Isaac, the film follows a young couple spending one final summer together in Northern Michigan before life pulls them in different directions. Starring Mark McKenna and Lukita Maxwell, this coming-of-age romance leans into those quiet, in-between moments—sunsets,...

Kayla Lewis is here—and she is not just singing songs, she’s resurrecting a legacy. With Belle Noire, Lewis has created a dazzling theatrical concert that celebrates the brilliance, beauty, and impact of iconic Black female performers like Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and Eartha Kitt. This is not imitation—it’s bold reinterpretation, blending live jazz, dance, cinematic visuals, and storytelling in...

Jason McGee is stepping into a powerful new season with Another Tomorrow, a stirring new release from Jason McGee & The Choir that is already resonating across the gospel world. The 14-track album blends soaring choir moments with intimate testimony, featuring songs like “God This Time” and “Just Another Day” that lean into themes of perseverance, redemption, and unwavering faith. Released in Marc...

Filmmaker Matthew Miele and powerhouse producer Tucker Tooley are diving headfirst into one of the greatest mysteries of our time with their gripping new documentary, Finding Satoshi. Premiering April 22, 2026, the film follows a four-year investigation led by journalist William D. Cohan and private investigator Tyler Maroney as they attempt to uncover the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto—the ano...

The Roundtable is on the carpet and inside the room for opening night of Fear of 13! Our correspondent Adrienne Garzillo is bringing you straight into the energy of the night with interviews from an incredible lineup including Adrien Brody, Tessa Thompson, and Ephraim Sykes, alongside the full powerhouse cast. From behind-the-scenes insight to red carpet moments, this is opening night access at it...

Four-time GRAMMY nominee Boney James is hitting the road and bringing his signature sound to Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre as part of his nationwide tour—and Detroit is in for a night. A true icon of contemporary jazz and R&B, Boney has spent decades blending soul, groove, and technical brilliance into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. From sold-out crowds across the country to millions o...